West Lake Sightseeing Luxury Boat + Three Pools Mirroring the Moon Island Ticket

West Lake is undoubtedly the epitome of Hangzhou's beauty. The renowned 'Ten Scenes of West Lake' are scattered around the lake, where nature and culture complement each other, forming the core of a trip to Hangzhou. You don't have to insist on visiting every single spot; instead, you can spend half a day or a full day strolling by the lake. No matter how you choose to explore, it will surely lift your spirits.

Overview of West Lake

Exploring West Lake can be done on foot, by sightseeing boat, by electric car, by self‑driving, or by cycling. Among these, the electric car is the most convenient and effortless option — there are tour cars around the lake that you can wave down anytime, with routes that circle the entire West Lake. Cycling along the lake is romantic and leisurely, and there are many public bicycle rental points along the lakeside. If you want to take a boat ride, there are nearly ten piers around the lake offering various types of boats and routes. It is highly recommended to take a boat to the Three Pools Mirroring the Moon in the centre of the lake, enjoying the West Lake scenery along the way. Alternatively, you can hire a hand‑rowed boat by the lake, where the boatman will row you around the lake, offering more freedom.

Northern Route Scenery

The north bank of West Lake is home to many attractions. Typically, you start from the Broken Bridge and Remnant Snow at the northeast corner and head west all the way to Yue Fei's Temple. You can walk along Bai Causeway to Solitary Hill, visiting cultural spots like Xiling Seal Art Society, Zhejiang Provincial Museum, China Seal Museum, and Fanghe Pavilion. Have an authentic West Lake Vinegar Fish at Louwailou Restaurant, then leave the island via Xiling Bridge. Not far away are Yue Fei's Temple and Quyuan Fenghe (Lotus in the Breeze at Crooked Courtyard).

If it is a summer with strong sunlight, it is recommended to take a stroll along Beishan Road. Walk under the dense shade of trees and admire the curves of Broken Bridge and the swaying willows on Bai Causeway opposite. There are many entrances along the road leading to Baoshi Mountain, where you can hike and enjoy the views. Coming down the mountain, you will reach Yue Fei's Temple. Yue Fei Square has many small shops for food, and the 'Impression West Lake' evening show here is also worth watching. If you have enough time and energy, you can also head to Su Causeway from here and walk to enjoy a panoramic view of West Lake.

Southeastern Shore (Hubin Road ‑ Nanshan Road)

Another area with a concentration of attractions is Hubin Road and Nanshan Road along the southeastern shore. Hubin Road is at the junction between downtown Hangzhou and West Lake Scenic Area. Here you can enjoy lake views, find piers for West Lake boat rides, and see the iconic musical fountain. The advantage of Hubin Road is that it allows quick access from the scenic area to the city centre shopping district, making it ideal for short stops by travellers with a tight schedule.

Heading south from Hubin Road along Nanshan Road, you can visit attractions such as Orioles Singing in the Willows, Long Bridge, Leifeng Pagoda, Evening Bell Ringing at Nanping Hill, and Viewing Fish at Flower Harbour. The distances between neighbouring attractions are not far, so you can walk, or take a tour bus or public bus — all very convenient. You can arrange a day to pick a few according to your preference. Among them, Leifeng Pagoda and Evening Bell Ringing at Nanping Hill can be arranged for the evening. Listening to the bell at Jingci Temple and overlooking the night view of West Lake from Leifeng Pagoda are both wonderful experiences.